Shell helps graduates take hold of their careers

Inah Felisse Margaja talks about how being part of Shell’s Graduate Programme helps young people like her to interact with and learn from industry practitioners, including her mentor Scott, and exposes her to opportunities for career growth and development.

Science was a natural fit for Inah Felisse Margaja, who studied at the Manila Science High School before graduating with a Bachelor of Science (Electronics, Communications Engineering and Power Electronics) degree at the University of Philippines Diliman in Quezon City.

“I knew from a young age that I was interested in working within the energy industry, with particular interest in renewable energy.”

So what attracted Inah to Shell? “Being interested in renewable energy, I read Shell’s website page on Solar and Wind technology. This attracted me to Shell as a company and subsequently, I became interested in Shell’s Graduate Programme.”

Her mom was the first to learn the exciting news that Inah had been offered a place in Shell’s Graduate Programme. “The offer was definitely a wish come true for me. My mom and I share a close relationship so she was very happy to hear the great news! Especially because she was with me through my application journey: sending me off to my first interview like a first grader!”

Inah recalls her first week in Shell’s Graduate Programme as being full of introductions and inductions. “I met a mixed group: young, experienced men and women of Filipino and other nationalities. What I remember most was how welcoming and helpful everyone was. Current Shell graduates at the time were especially helpful in giving tips and materials about the requirements of the Programme.”

Inah’s current role is as Control and Automation Engineer for Shell Philippines Exploration, which is the operator of the US$ 2 billion landmark Malampaya natural gas development project.

“I’m currently a graduate of the Shell Philippines Exploration team that is primarily responsible for the technical support, maintenance and improvement of the assets’ control systems and instrumentation. My current involvement is mostly on Alarm Management and Fire- and Gas-related activities. In my two years with Shell, I have been privileged to be a part of multiple projects that have given me a deeper understanding of what I can do to contribute to the business. These projects also gave me an opportunity to get to know the people outside my immediate team.”

Inah has enjoyed getting to know her colleagues, which include Scott Low, Inah’s mentor. He has been with Shell for 10 years and his current role is Country Contracts and Procurement Manager, Upstream, Philippines. An Australian, Scott holds a Bachelor of Arts majoring in English from the University of Western Australia.

“My first impression of Inah is that she has high standards, is conscientious and a very capable young person. She is focused and serious when needed but she also has a light-hearted and energetic side,” Scott said.

Scott and Inah also chat about their hobbies and interests. “Like myself, Inah has a passion for volleyball,” said Scott. “Her competitive nature shines through during a game of volleyball.”

In turn, Inah has learned more about Scott. “He has an interesting background. He’s an English major and he can fly a helicopter. His humor is influenced by his Australian background and his time in Malaysia, so we do share a laugh.” Inah also highlighted the love they share for volleyball, which led them to build the Shell Volleyball Club.

For Inah, the mentor/mentee relationship she shares with Scott works on a number of levels. “The energy industry abounds with technical terms, but Scott has the ability to explain complex things in ways that can be easily understood by everyone. He helps put things into perspective and helps boost my confidence. On top of this, he is humble and sincere.

I learned from him that my career should support my personal goals and priorities in life – not the other way around.

Inah sees the opportunities offered by Shell’s Graduate Programme as helping graduates get a better and earlier grasp of where they want their career to go while also helping the business. “For me, in the Philippine context, working for Shell Malampaya is also helping our country.

“I believe that those in Shell’s Graduate Programme are privileged because we get the opportunity to align a number of priorities: our personal and professional ones, the business’ productivity goals, and the improvement of our country’s energy situation.”

Asked which graduates she would encourage to consider Shell, Inah said: “If you are naturally collaborative, driven and open to continuous learning, then Shell’s Graduate Programme is definitely worth considering.”